We want South Tyneside Council to remove an ATM that has become an anti-social behaviour hot spot
Westoe residents and businesses are calling for the removal of a disused ATM.
Members of the public are calling on South Tyneside Council to remove a Cashzone ATM, on Dean Road, that they say has been out of service for more than a year.
People who live and work in the area have told the Shields Gazette that the disused cash machine has become a “regular meeting point for anti-social behaviour (ASB)”.
The ATM is covered in rust and graffiti, with a local business owner stating that seeing things like this creates a discouraging environment for potential customers.
One business owner said: “Despite numerous complaints being raised with South Tyneside Council, nothing has been done.
“The unit has not been inspected, removed, repaired, or secured. It’s condition continues to worsen, and so does the behaviour it attracts.
“I believe the Council has a responsibility to maintain public spaces, remove abandoned street equipment, and take action when a structure contributes to crime and anti-social behaviour.
“The community should not be ignored for this long on such a straightforward issue.
“All we are asking for is the removal of this derelict and dangerous structure before the situation escalates further.
“The community deserves a clean, safe environment and we have waited long enough.”
South Tyneside Council has confirmed that the ATM is not owned or operated by the local authority and that it has reported the condition of the machine to the owner.
A South Tyneside Council spokesperson said: “The cash machine on Dean Road is not owned or operated by the Council.
“ATMs are typically managed by banks or independent providers, and any maintenance or removal would be their responsibility.
“We have reported the condition of the ATM to Cashzone, the operator, and we would also advise the business to contact them directly.
“While we remain committed to maintaining public spaces and supporting local businesses, this matter does fall outside our remit.”
The Shields Gazette has reached out to Cashzone for a comment.